Filler coupling and corresponding receptacle and filling method

ABSTRACT

A filler coupling comprising an isolation valve that can move relative to a seat between an upstream closing position and a downstream opening position, said isolation valve being moved to its upstream position by a return member, the coupling also comprising a dust-prevention valve placed upstream of the isolation valve, said dust-prevention valve comprising a downstream end and being able to move relative to the body between an upstream closing position and a downstream opening position, said dust-prevention valve being moved to its upstream position by a return member, characterized in that the dust-prevention valve can be moved selectively downstream either: 
     in a first determined downstream position opening the upstream end in which the downstream end of the dust-prevention valve does not push the upstream end of the isolation valve, or in 
     a second determined downstream position opening the upstream end, in which the downstream end of the dust-prevention valve pushes an upstream end of the movable isolation valve in order to move the isolation valve by contact to its downstream open position, and in that the dust-prevention valve comprises one or more passageways for guiding at least a portion of the fluid stream traveling from upstream to downstream through the body of said dust-prevention valve.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 (a)and (b) to French Application No. 10 55605, filed Jul. 9, 2010, theentire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a filler coupling, a tap, a pressurizedfluid receptacle and a filling method using such a coupling.

The invention relates more particularly to a filler coupling for apressurized gas receptacle designed to interact with a packagingconnector in order to allow said receptacle to be filled, the couplingcomprising a body defining an internal filler circuit between anupstream end designed to be connected to a packaging connector and adownstream end designed to be connected to a receptacle, the couplingcomprising an isolation valve that can move relative to a seat betweenan upstream position for closing the circuit and a downstream positionfor opening the circuit, said isolation valve being moved to itsupstream position by a return member, the coupling also comprising adust-prevention valve placed upstream of the isolation valve, saiddust-prevention valve comprising a downstream end and being able to moverelative to the body between an upstream position for closing theupstream end of the circuit and a downstream position for opening thecircuit upstream end, said dust-prevention valve being moved to itsupstream position by a return member.

The present invention concerns in particular a filler couplingcomprising in series, from upstream to downstream, a dust-preventionvalve and an isolation valve (the terms “upstream” and “downstream”refer to the direction of travel of the gas when filling).

The dust-prevention valve is provided notably to form a barrier upstreamof the isolation valve to prevent or limit the intrusion of particles orof dust that may damage the sealing of said isolation valve.

2. Related Art

Usually, filler couplings comprise a dust-prevention plug which retractson contact with the end of the packaging connector in order to allow thefiller connector to sink into the filler coupling in order to actuatethe isolation valve situated downstream in the filler coupling. This isusually a good protection against the intrusion of foreign bodies into afiller coupling. However, this protection is not usually sufficientbecause, when the dust-prevention valve is open, the filler connectorthat enters the filler coupling downstream of the dust-prevention valvecan bring in particles.

Contamination of the isolation valve may cause a considerable leakagerate over the life of the product on which this filler coupling isinstalled. This is explained by the fact that the sealing zone of thecontaminated isolation valve (dust, particles etc.) loses a largeproportion of its sealing capability. This risk of intrusion ofparticles is increased when the filler coupling is vertical (fillingfrom above).

A known solution consists in providing a filter for solid particles inthe coupling upstream of the isolation valve. This makes it possible totrap particles or dust upstream of the isolation valve but does not makeit possible to actuate the opening of the isolation valve by mechanicalcontact (the filter in fact forming a mechanical barrier for a valvedriver).

Another solution consists in providing a filter downstream of theisolation valve. This allows the mechanical actuation of the isolationvalve and provides dust protection for downstream of the isolation valve(the inside of the tap and the inside of the receptacle). However, theupstream end of the isolation valve is then subject to contamination byparticles or dust that can affect its sealing.

Document WO2009101350 describes a device for filling and delivering gasfrom a pressurized gas tank comprising a tapping duct comprising apressure release valve and two valves placed in series and able to beactuated by a user system for the tapping of gas. In order to fill thetank, a branch is made on a portion of the tapping duct forming a fillerchannel short-circuiting one of the two valves and the pressure releasevalve of the tapping duct.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One object of the present invention is to alleviate all or some of thedrawbacks of the prior art listed above.

For this purpose, the coupling according to the invention, moreoverconforming to the generic definition given to it by the above preamble,is essentially characterized in that the dust-prevention valve can bemoved selectively downstream either:

in a first determined downstream position, called “contactless”position, opening the upstream end of the circuit, in which thedownstream end of the dust-prevention valve does not push the upstreamend of the isolation valve, the upstream end of the isolation valvebeing capable of being pushed to its downstream position for opening thecircuit by pressurized fluid entering through the open upstream end ofthe circuit, or in

a second determined downstream position, called “contact” position,opening the upstream end of the circuit in which the downstream end ofthe dust-prevention valve pushes an upstream end of the movableisolation valve in order to move the isolation valve by contact to itsdownstream position for opening the circuit and in that thedust-prevention valve comprises one or more passageways for guiding atleast a portion of the stream of fluid traveling from upstream todownstream through the body of said dust-prevention valve.

Therefore, according to the invention, the movable dust-prevention valveslides in the internal circuit of the filler coupling and forms a screenbetween the filler tool (filler connector) and the isolation valve.

Such an arrangement also makes it possible to improve the reliabilityand the safety of the filler system. Specifically, the dust-preventionvalve guides and forces the incoming gas stream during filling when ittravels downstream. The passageway ducts passing through thedust-prevention valve can notably make it possible to reduce theturbulence of the gas when filling. In this manner, the generatedvibrations are also reduced. The convergence of the stream or streamspassing through the dust-prevention valve notably makes it possible toaccelerate the stream of gas and to concentrate it on a central zone ofthe passageway, notably at the opening of the seat (the upstream portionof the downstream isolation valve). This configuration makes it possibleat least partly to save the valve spring from the filling gas stream.This guidance of the filling gas may also make it possible to direct thestream of gas toward the zone forming the seat for the downstreamisolation valve, which promotes its being cleaned on each fill. Thismakes it possible to reduce the risks of leaks due to a dirty isolationvalve seat.

The configuration therefore makes it possible to significantly improvethe safety of the bottle during its multiple fills.

This architecture also makes it possible to protect the isolation valveduring successive filling operations.

In this manner, in the closed position, the upstream dust-preventionvalve protects the downstream isolation valve from dust, but alsoprotects the downstream isolation valve from direct contact with the endof a filler connector.

Moreover, this architecture with double movable valves in series slidingon one and the same axis forms an effective protective mechanism in afilling process allowing improved protection of the downstream isolationvalve.

The arrangement of two valves in series makes it possible to effectivelyinteract with a determined packaging connector.

In particular, the sliding dust-prevention valve can allow opening ofthe upstream of the coupling while

protecting the downstream isolation valve from particles and

allowing the actuation of this downstream isolation valve by mechanicalcontact.

The arrangement of the upstream dust-prevention valve and of thedownstream isolation valve also interacts easily with packagingconnectors opening the downstream isolation valve via a stream ofpressurized gas delivered into the coupling (instead of a mechanicalcontact).

Moreover, the dust-prevention valve regulates the incoming gas streamduring filling because the gas is forced through the body of thedust-prevention valve. Advantageously this regulates the gas stream tothe downstream portion while minimizing the turbulence that is harmfulfor the mechanics of the isolation valve.

The in series arrangement of the double-valve coupling thus provides ahigh level of protection of the isolation valve against dirt and offersopening sequences that are suitable for various types of filling.

The invention provides great safety in the opening/closing sequences ofthe filler coupling. Moreover, filling according to the invention keepsthe coupling sealed throughout the life of the coupling.

Therefore, for example, and without being limiting, the upstreamdust-prevention valve can advantageously participate in the mechanicalopening of the downstream isolation valve by transmitting an openingforce from upstream to downstream. That is to say, in certain fillingconfigurations, the dust-prevention valve can form a member fortransmitting movement between a packaging connector and the downstreamisolation valve.

Similarly, the movable dust-prevention valve can ensure an opening ofthe upstream of the coupling allowing the downstream isolation valve tobe opened with the pressure of the filling gas (as a function of thepressures and setting of the valves).

The upstream dust-prevention valve can therefore perform the followingfunctions:

the opening/closing of the upstream of the circuit,

the guiding of the fluid stream upstream of the fluid isolation valveduring a filling process, and, optionally,

the transmission of mechanical movement in order to selectively controlthe opening or closing of the downstream isolation valve.

According to possible particular features:

the body of the dust-prevention valve slides in the circuit, thepassageway or passageways constricting the totality or virtual totalityof the fluid stream travelling from upstream to downstream in thecircuit to travel through the body of the dust-prevention valveirrespective of the downstream position of the dust-prevention valve,

the passageway or passageways comprise at least one convergent portionfor guiding at least a portion of the gas traveling through thedust-prevention valve to the central portion of the internal fillercircuit,

the passageway or passageways converge and guide at least a portion ofthe gas traveling through the dust-prevention valve in a parallel mannerinto the central portion of the internal filler circuit,

the passageway or passageways converge to guide at least a portion ofthe gas traveling through the dust-prevention valve to the centralportion of the upstream end of the isolation valve,

the passageway or passageways converge in order to guide at least aportion of the gas traveling through the dust-prevention valve to aconvergent zone of the internal filler circuit defining the seat of theisolation valve,

the isolation valve can be moved selectively into a downstream positionfor opening the circuit by mechanical actuation carried out by thedust-prevention valve,

the isolation valve can be moved selectively into a downstream positionfor opening the circuit by a pressurized fluid stream,

the dust-prevention valve can be selectively moved downstream by amechanical actuation and/or by pressurized fluid,

the external and/or internal surface of the body of the couplingcomprises stampings forming attachment recesses and/or reliefs designedto interact with paired shapes of a packaging connector to form aselective mechanical attachment system, notably a quick connectionsystem,

the dust-prevention valve comprises an upstream end that can be actuatedmechanically and/or via pressurized fluid,

the movable isolation valve comprises a flexible sealing gasket designedto interact with the seat in order to achieve the sealed closure of thecircuit when the valve is moved against the seat with a determinedpressure,

in the upstream position for closing the upstream end of the circuit,said dust-prevention valve closes off in a sealed manner the inletorifice of the circuit upstream end, for example, in a watertightmanner,

in the upstream position for closing the upstream end of the circuit,said dust-prevention valve closes off in an unsealed manner the inletorifice of the circuit upstream end,

the body of the coupling and/or the dust-prevention valve comprises aflexible lip forming a watertight barrier between the body of thecoupling and the dust-prevention valve at least when the latter is inthe upstream closed position,

the flexible lip comprises a free end allowing a gas or liquid to passwhen a determined pressure differential exists on either side of thelip, in order notably to allow a possible discharge of gas fromdownstream to upstream, for example in the event of leakage of theisolation valve,

in the upstream position of the dust-prevention valve, the upstream endof the dust-prevention valve recloses the upstream end of the circuit ina flush manner at the upstream end of the body of the coupling,

the body of the dust-prevention valve slides in a sealed manner in thecircuit,

the sealing between the dust-prevention valve and the body of thecoupling is achieved by metal/metal contact and/or via at least oneseal,

the passageway(s) comprise one or more internal ducts passing throughthe body of the dust-prevention valve and/or passing through the body ofthe coupling,

the passageway(s) comprise at least one space between thedust-prevention valve and the body of the coupling in order to force allor virtually all of the fluid stream passing from upstream to downstreamin the circuit to pass through the dust-prevention valve,

the return member moving the isolation valve to its upstream positioncomprises at least one of the following: a compression spring, a tensionspring,

the return member moving the dust-prevention valve to its upstreamposition comprises at least one of the following: a compression spring,

the downstream end of the dust-prevention valve comprises a rod formechanically actuating the upstream end of the isolation valve,

the upstream end of the isolation valve comprises a surface designed tointeract in mechanical contact with the downstream end of thedust-prevention valve,

the isolation valve is closed before the closure of the dust-preventionvalve,

the seat of the isolation valve is formed by a shoulder of a tubularframe secured to the body of the coupling, the isolation valve slidingin this frame, the

downstream end of the dust-prevention valve entering said frame when thedust-prevention valve comes into the downstream position,

the coupling comprises an abutment designed to interact with thedust-prevention valve in order to limit the maximum downstream positionof the latter,

the abutment designed to interact with the dust-prevention valve inorder to limit the maximum downstream position of the latter is securedto the body of the coupling and/or to a frame secured to the body anddefining the seat of the isolation valve,

the isolation valve comprises a nonreturn mechanism generating a forceon the isolation valve and moving upstream when the latter is subjectedto a fluidic pressure in its upstream portion,

the nonreturn mechanism comprises a channel connecting the upstream endof the isolation valve to a downstream chamber in order to convert afluidic pressure on the upstream portion of the valve into a force onthe downstream end of the isolation valve tending to move said isolationvalve into an upstream closed position,

the nonreturn mechanism (“NRV”) comprises a determined surface-arearatio between, on the one hand, the upstream end of the isolation valvesubjected to an upstream fluid and, on the other hand, the downstreamend of the isolation valve communicating with the chamber, in order tomove said isolation valve into an upstream closed position when itsupstream end is subjected to pressurized fluid.

The invention also relates to a tap for pressurized fluid, in particularfor pressurized gas, with or without pressure relief valve, comprising afiller coupling designed to interact with a packaging connector in orderto allow the filling of said receptacle via said coupling, the fillercoupling conforming with any one of the features above or below.

The invention also relates to a pressurized fluid receptacle, inparticular a pressurized gas bottle, comprising a tap conforming withany one of the features above or below.

The invention also relates to a method for filling such pressurized gasreceptacle conforming by means of a packaging connector mechanicallyconnected in a removable manner to said connector for filling thereceptacle, the method comprising a first step of moving thedust-prevention valve downstream in order to open the upstream end ofthe circuit via a mechanical actuation and/or a fluidic actuationcarried out by the packaging connector and a second step of moving theisolation valve to a downstream opening position via a mechanicalactuation carried out by the dust-prevention valve and/or via a fluidicactuation carried out by the gas delivered by the packaging connector.

According to other possible particular features,

during the first step, the dust-prevention valve is moved into its firstdetermined downstream position, called “contactless” position, and inthat, in the second step, the isolation valve is moved to an opendownstream position via a fluidic actuation carried out by the gasdelivered by the packaging connector,

during the first step, the dust-prevention valve is moved into itssecond determined downstream position, called “contact” position, and inthat, in the second step, the isolation valve is moved to an opendownstream position via a mechanical actuation carried out by thedust-prevention valve,

the dust-prevention valve is moved downstream by a mechanical action ofan end of a valve driver belonging to the packaging connector,

at the end of the process for filling a pressurized gas receptacle, theisolation valve is automatically closed when the mechanical force and/orthe fluidic force exerted on the upstream portion of the valve becomesless than a determined threshold,

the filling method comprises a first step of moving the dust-preventionvalve to a downstream position for opening the upstream end of thecircuit via a mechanical actuation and/or a fluidic actuation carriedout by the packaging connector and a second step of moving the isolationvalve to a downstream opening position via a mechanical actuationcarried out by the dust-prevention valve,

the valve or valves can be opened independently of the mechanicalattachment of the packaging connector to the coupling, in particular,the valve or valves can be opened by the packaging connector after themechanical attachment of the packaging connector to the coupling and viaa distinct actuation of the attachment system,

the packaging connector designed to interact with a filler coupling of apressurized fluid receptacle tap comprises at least one gripperextending in a longitudinal direction about a longitudinal axis, thecentral space situated between the gripper or grippers and thelongitudinal axis forming a housing designed to accommodate a fillercoupling of generally cylindrical shape, the internal face of the atleast one gripper situated facing the central space comprising reliefsand/or recesses of determined dimensions, the reliefs and/or recessesbeing spaced relative to one another in a determined manner in order tofit into grooves and/or paired reliefs formed on the external face of afiller coupling, the at least one gripper being able to movetransversely relative to the longitudinal axis between a position called“outspread” in order to allow the insertion of a coupling into thecentral space and a position called “closed” to allow the fitting of theinternal face of the grippers on the external face of a coupling, saidconnector comprising a locking member that can move between an activeposition immobilizing the grippers in the closed position and aninactive position allowing the grippers to move toward the outspreadposition.

The invention may also relate to any alternative device or methodcomprising any combination of the features above or below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Other particular features and advantages will appear on reading thefollowing description made with reference to the drawings in which:

FIG. 1 represents a schematic view in section illustrating a firstexemplary embodiment of a filler coupling according to the invention ina closed position,

FIG. 2 represents a schematic and partial view in section illustratingthe filler coupling of FIG. 1 mounted on a receptacle tap in a positionopened by the action of a packaging connector,

FIG. 3 represents a schematic and partial view in section illustratingthe structure of a filler coupling according to the invention in aclosed position (two valves closed),

FIG. 4 represents the filler coupling of FIG. 3 in an open position (twovalves opened by mechanical contact),

FIG. 5 represents the filler coupling of FIG. 3 in an open position (twovalves opened respectively by gas pressure and by mechanical contact),

FIG. 6 represents the filler coupling of FIG. 3 in an open position (twovalves opened respectively by mechanical contact and by gas pressure),

FIG. 7 represents the filler coupling of FIG. 3 in an open position (twovalves opened by gas pressure),

FIG. 8 represents an enlarged view in section of a detail of theupstream end of a filler coupling illustrating another possibleexemplary embodiment of the upstream valve in the closed position),

FIG. 9 represents the filler coupling of FIG. 3 in a closed testposition (upstream valve open and downstream valve closed).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Now with reference to FIG. 1, the filler coupling 1 comprises a body 2,for example of generally cylindrical shape. The body 2 defines aninternal filling circuit 6 between an upstream end 3 designed to beconnected to a packaging connector and a downstream end 4 designed to beconnected to a pressurized gas receptacle (via for example an internalcircuit of a tap).

The upstream end 3 of the circuit 6 (and of the coupling 1) can beselectively closed by a dust-prevention valve 10 which can move in thebody 2 of the coupling.

The dust-prevention valve 10 can be selectively moved in the body 2(preferably in translation) between an upstream position for closing theupstream end 3 of the circuit 6 and a downstream position for openingthe circuit upstream end 3. Preferably, the dust-prevention valve 10 ismoved to its upstream position by a return member 14, for example aspring such as a compression spring.

Preferably, in the upstream position for closing the upstream end 3 ofthe circuit 6, the dust-prevention valve 10 is housed in the body 2 ofthe coupling and is flush with the end surface of the body 2 of thecoupling 1.

The dust-prevention valve 10 closes the upstream inlet 3 of the circuitin a sealed or unsealed manner by contact with the body 2 of thecoupling 1. The body of the dust-prevention valve 10 may comprise one ormore seals 105 closing off the circuit 6 in a sealed manner.

The dust-prevention valve 10 may comprise one or more passageways 103guiding at least a portion and preferably all of the fluid streamtravelling from upstream 3 to downstream 4 through the body of thedust-prevention valve 10. That is to say that, when a gas travels fromupstream 3 to downstream 4, the passageway(s) 103 force the totality orthe virtual totality of the gas stream to pass through the body of thedust-prevention valve 10 irrespective of the downstream position of thedust-prevention valve 10. The passageways 103 may comprise internalducts passing through the body of the valve 10. As a variant or incombination, it is possible to envisage ducts or passageways passingthrough the body 2 of the coupling 1. Similarly, as a variant or incombination, it is possible to envisage one or more passageways 103formed by a spacing between the dust-prevention valve 10 and the body 2of the coupling. As a variant or in combination when the dust-preventionvalve 10 opens the upstream end 3 of the circuit 6, the pressurized gastravels downstream bypassing the dust-prevention valve 10 (that is tosay that the gas passes between the dust-prevention valve 10 and thebody 2 of the coupling).

Downstream of the dust-prevention valve 10, the circuit 6 contains anisolation valve 7 that can move relative to a seat 8. The isolationvalve 7 can be moved preferably in translation between an upstreamposition for closing the circuit and a downstream position for openingthe circuit. The isolation valve 7 is moved by default toward itsupstream position by a return member 9 such as a spring notably acompression spring.

As shown, the isolation valve 7 may comprise a flexible sealing gasket17 designed to interact with the seat 8. The flexible gasket may containplastic, a polymer, a cured elastomer or any other appropriate material.

As shown, without it being necessary, the seat 8 of the isolation valve7 can be formed by an annular shoulder secured to a tubular frame 15fixed in the body 2 of the coupling (for example by sealed screwing).

For example, the isolation valve 7 slides in this frame 15. One end 16of this frame 15 or of the seat 8 can for example form an abutment 16designed to interact with the dust-prevention valve 10 to limit themaximum downstream position of the latter. Similarly, the spring 14 ofthe dust-prevention valve can rest on this frame 15.

Therefore, the dust-prevention valve 10 comprises an upstream end orsurface 104 that can be actuated mechanically (that is to say bymechanical contact) and/or via pressurized fluid.

In FIG. 2, the coupling 1 is shown schematically on a tap 12 of areceptacle 13. Moreover, a packaging connector 11 opening the coupling 1is shown symbolically in dashed lines.

Preferably, the external surface of the body 2 of the coupling 1comprises stampings 116 forming attachment recesses and/or reliefsdesigned to interact with paired shapes of a packaging connector 11 inorder to form a mechanical attachment system, notably a quick connectionsystem (not shown in detail). In particular, preferably the stampings116 are of a dimension and are positioned according to a determinedgeometry preferably in order to fit a determined paired packagingconnector 11 (and only that connector).

As shown in FIG. 2, the dust-prevention valve 10 can be movedselectively downstream by a mechanical actuation, for example by a valvedriver 111 that can be moved selectively in response to an actuator suchas a pivoting lever 204 for example. The movement of the valve driver111 can be obtained also automatically, for example pneumatically and/orby an electromechanical system.

The valve driver 111 is preferably inserted into the coupling in asealed manner and delivers pressurized gas via an internal or externalchannel to the valve driver 111 (not shown).

As can be seen in FIG. 2, when the dust-prevention valve 10 is broughtto a determined downstream position called the “contact” position (withthe upstream end 3 open), a downstream end 101 of the dust-preventionvalve 10 pushes an upstream end 107 of the isolation valve 7 in order tomove the isolation valve 7 toward its downstream position for openingthe circuit 6.

That is to say that the isolation valve 7 can be moved selectively intoa downstream position for opening the circuit by mechanical actuationcarried out by the dust-prevention valve 10.

Accordingly, as shown in the figures, the dust-prevention valve 10 maycomprise a downstream end 101 in the form of a rod the terminal surfaceof which is designed to mechanically actuate the upstream end of theisolation valve 7.

The upstream end of the isolation valve 7 may also be formed by a rodwhich protrudes in the upstream direction relative to the seat 8 ofgenerally annular shape.

Therefore, from a closed position (dust-prevention valve 10 closed F andisolation valve closed F) illustrated schematically in FIG. 3, apackaging connector 11 can mechanically push the upstream end 104 of thedust-prevention valve 10 (pressure P). The dust-prevention valve 10 ismoved in the downstream direction. The inlet of the circuit 6 of thecoupling 2 is open (FIG. 4). The downstream end 101 of thedust-prevention valve 10 in its turn pushes the upstream end 107 of theisolation valve 7 (mechanical pressure P) which then opens thedownstream end of the circuit 6. The stream of pressurized gas cantravel from upstream to downstream (symbolized by the arrows).

Naturally, this method of opening and of filling is not limited to thisexample. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 5, depending on the fillingconditions, the upstream end 104 of the dust-prevention valve 10 can bepushed in the downstream direction by the gas stream itself (symbolizedby arrows). The downstream end 101 of the dust-prevention valve 10 canthen mechanically push (pressure P) the isolation valve 7.

In the variant of FIG. 6, the dust-prevention valve 10 is opened (O)mechanically by a packaging connector 11 (pressure P) but the isolationvalve 7 is opened (O) not by the downstream end 101 of thedust-prevention valve 10 but by the force exerted by the pressure of theincoming gas.

In the variant of FIG. 7, the dust-prevention valve 10 and the isolationvalve 7 are opened (O) by the force exerted by the pressure of thefilling gas. Therefore, it is easy to understand that, depending on thegeometry of the filling connector and the filling conditions (notablythe flow rate and the pressure of the filling gas inserted into thecoupling by the filling connector 11), the two valves 10, 7 in seriescan be opened (moved in the downstream direction) by a mechanicalcontact and/or by the pressure of the filling gas.

This confers great flexibility of use on the coupling according to theinvention. Specifically, filling with gas in all cases ensuresprotection of the isolation valve 7.

Moreover, the opening of the coupling when filling can be obtained by asequential opening of the two valves 10, 7 in series (first thedust-prevention valve 10, then the isolation valve 7).

At the end of a filling process of a pressurized gas receptacle, theisolation valve 7 is closed automatically by the action of the spring 9when the mechanical and/or fluidic force exerted on the upstream portionof the valve 7 falls below a determined threshold. At the end of thefilling operation, the isolation valve 7 is closed in principle beforethe dust-prevention valve 10 is closed.

The structure according to the invention also makes it possible to putin place filling procedures that are particularly effective in terms ofsafety for the operators carrying out the filling and for the end usersof the tap fitted with such a coupling.

Therefore, for example, the movable dust-prevention valve 10 adopts,during its movement, at least two sealed positions making it possible toensure secure filling.

In a first sealed position, the dust-prevention valve 10 is moved in thedownstream direction and opens the upstream of the circuit 6 without theisolation valve 7 being opened (see FIG. 10). In this open position (0)of the upstream valve 10 and the closed position (F) of the downstreamvalve 7, the chamber situated upstream of the isolation valve 7 can beevacuated (determined low pressure) for example by a filling tool inorder to carry out tests prior to filling. In this configuration, it isactually possible to measure any leaks originating from the isolationvalve 7.

In another sealed position, the isolation valve 7 can also be opened inorder to carry out a filling and/or to carry out a possible emptying ofthe circuit 6 and of the bottle before filling (see for example theconfiguration of FIG. 4, but with a gas stream reversed in the event ofdraining).

At the end of filling, the isolation valve 7 can be closed again and thedust-prevention valve 10 can be kept open (see FIG. 10) to carry outpossible sealing tests at the end of filling such as those describedabove prior to filling.

These filling methods make it possible to ensure safe filling and themaintained sealing of the coupling after many fills.

The variant of FIG. 9 differs from that of FIG. 1 only in that the body2 of the coupling 1 comprises a flexible lip 27 the free end of whichinteracts with the dust-prevention valve 10 in order to form awatertight barrier between the body 2 of the coupling and thedust-prevention valve 10 (at least when the latter is in the upstreamclosed position).

The flexible lip 27, which preferably has an annular shape around thedust-prevention valve 10, is for example made of elastomer fitted orcured onto the body 2.

The flexibility of the lip 27 is designed to prevent ingress of water inthe downstream direction while all the same allowing fluid (gas notably)to pass in the event of determined pressure (notably in the event ofleakage of the isolation valve 7).

The use of this coupling on gas taps preferably furnished with pressurerelief valves offers many advantages. Specifically, the gas receptacles(bottles for example) furnished with such taps can be filled in totalsafety and can retain one and the same filler coupling withoutendangering the seal of the coupling.

The filling method according to the invention therefore makes itpossible to improve the protection of the sealing valve gasket fromcontamination (metal particles, dust etc.) via the movable filter thatis moved during filling.

This makes it possible to increase the reliability of the seal of thecoupling throughout the life of the tap and of the bottle fittedtherewith.

According to the invention, the mechanical pushing of the isolationvalve 7 remains possible although solely via the dust-prevention valve10.

The filling method according to the invention therefore makes itpossible to improve the safety of filling via the actuation of thein-series double-valve mechanism described above.

Advantageously the invention applies to the filler couplings and fillingsystems for pressurized gas bottles, for example between 150 and 750bar, fitted with taps with integrated relief valves or with removablerelief valves.

The filler coupling may if necessary also be the gas drainage coupling.

It will be understood that many additional changes in the details,materials, steps and arrangement of parts, which have been hereindescribed in order to explain the nature of the invention, may be madeby those skilled in the art within the principle and scope of theinvention as expressed in the appended claims. Thus, the presentinvention is not intended to be limited to the specific embodiments inthe examples given above.

1. A filler coupling for a pressurized gas receptacle designed tointeract with a packaging connector in order to allow said receptacle tobe filled, the filler coupling comprising a) a body defining an internalfiller circuit between an upstream end designed to be connected to apackaging connector and a downstream end designed to be connected to areceptacle, the coupling comprising i) an isolation valve that can moverelative to a seat between an upstream position configured to close theinternal filler circuit and a downstream position configured to open theinternal filler circuit, said isolation valve being configured to becapable of being moved to its upstream position by a return member, b) adust-prevention valve upstream of the isolation valve, saiddust-prevention valve comprising ii) a downstream end and being able tomove relative to the body between an upstream position configured toclose the upstream end of the internal filler circuit and a downstreamposition configured to open the internal filler circuit upstream end,said dust-prevention valve being configured to be capable of being movedto its upstream position by a return member, wherein the dust-preventionvalve is capable of being moved selectively downstream either: a) in afirst determined downstream position, called “contactless” position,configured to open the upstream end of the internal filler circuit,wherein the downstream end of the dust-prevention valve is configured ina position wherein the dust-prevention valve is not pushing the upstreamend of the isolation valve, and wherein the upstream end of theisolation valve is capable of being pushed to its downstream positionfor opening the circuit by the pressurized fluid entering through theopen upstream end of the internal filler circuit, or b) in a seconddetermined downstream position called “contact” position configured toopen the upstream end of the internal filler circuit wherein thedownstream end of the dust-prevention valve is configured in a positionwherein the dust-prevention valve pushes on an upstream end of themovable isolation valve and the internal filler circuit is in an openconfiguration and wherein the dust-prevention valve comprises one ormore passageways adapted to guide at least a portion of the stream offluid traveling from upstream to downstream through the body of saiddust-prevention valve.
 2. The coupling of claim 1, wherein the body ofthe dust-prevention valve is capable of sliding in the circuit andwherein the passageway or passageways are adapted to direct all orsubstantially all of the fluid stream travelling from upstream todownstream in the internal filler circuit to travel through the body ofsaid dust-prevention valve irrespective of the downstream position ofthe dust-prevention valve.
 3. The coupling of claim 1, wherein thepassageway or passageways comprise at least one convergent portionadapted to direct at least a portion of the fluid stream passing throughthe dust-prevention valve to the central portion of the internal fillercircuit.
 4. The coupling of claim 1, wherein the passageway orpassageways converge and are adapted to guide at least a portion of thefluid stream passing through the dust-prevention valve in a parallelmanner into the central portion of the internal filler circuit.
 5. Thecoupling of claim 1, wherein the passageway or passageways converge areadapted to guide at least a portion of the fluid stream passing throughthe dust-prevention valve to the central portion of the upstream end ofthe isolation valve.
 6. The coupling of claim 1, wherein the passagewayor passageways converge and are adapted to guide at least a portion ofthe fluid stream passing through the dust-prevention valve to aconvergent zone of the internal filler circuit defining the seat of theisolation valve.
 7. The coupling of claim 1, wherein the isolation valveis capable of being moved selectively into a downstream position by amechanical actuation carried out by the dust-prevention valve.
 8. Thecoupling of claim 1, wherein the isolation valve is capable of beingmoved selectively into a downstream position by a pressurized fluidstream.
 9. The coupling of claim 1, wherein the dust-prevention valve iscapable of being selectively moved downstream by a mechanical actuationand/or by pressurized fluid.
 10. A tap for pressurized fluid, comprisingthe filler coupling of claim 1 and adapted to interact with a packagingconnector to allow the filling of said receptacle via said coupling. 11.A pressurized fluid receptacle, in particular a pressurized gas bottle,comprising a tap as claimed in claim
 10. 12. A method for filling apressurized gas receptacle as claimed in claim 11 through a packagingconnector mechanically connected in a removable manner to said connectorfor filling the receptacle, wherein the method comprises a) a first stepof moving the dust-prevention valve downstream in order to open theupstream end of the circuit via a mechanical actuation and/or a fluidicactuation carried out by the packaging connector and b) a second step ofmoving the isolation valve to a downstream opening position via amechanical actuation carried out by the dust-prevention valve and/or viaa fluidic actuation carried out by the gas delivered by the packagingconnector.
 13. The method of claim 12, wherein, during the first step,the dust-prevention valve is moved into its first determined downstreamposition, called “contactless” position, and in that, in the secondstep, the isolation valve is moved to an open downstream position via afluidic actuation carried out by the gas delivered by the packagingconnector.
 14. The method of claim 13, wherein, during the first step,the dust-prevention valve is moved into its second determined downstreamposition, called “contact” position, and in that, in the second step,the isolation valve is moved to an open downstream position via amechanical actuation carried out by the dust-prevention valve.
 15. Themethod of claim 11, wherein the dust-prevention valve is moveddownstream by a mechanical action of an end of a valve driver belongingto the packaging connector.